2026 Golden Globes Marred by Chaos and Controversial Behavior

The 2026 Golden Globes brought together Hollywood’s elite. Stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, and George Clooney graced the Beverly Hilton on December 11.

In film, One Battle After Another dominated, taking home four awards. On television, Netflix’s Adolescence also won four awards. Its 16-year-old star, Owen Cooper, became one of the youngest Golden Globe winners ever.

Early Wins and Historic Moments

The night marked milestones. Timothée Chalamet, 30, won his first Golden Globe for Marty Supreme. The ceremony also introduced the inaugural “Best Podcast” category, awarded to Good Hang with Amy Poehler.

Despite these highlights, controversy quickly overshadowed the celebrations.

Stars Defy Rules, Spark Outrage

Several A-list celebrities ignored Golden Globes protocols, stirring criticism. Some left before the ceremony ended, while others broke the ban on smoking at tables.

Sean Penn, nominated for One Battle After Another, lit a cigarette inside the Beverly Hilton. Vanity Fair reported that while some guests stepped outside to smoke, Penn openly defied the rules at his table. Viewers quickly labeled him “arrogant” and “full of himself.”

At the same event, stars including Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, and Keegan-Michael Key left before many awards were presented. Gomez and Shepard left without winning their nominations, while Bell exited prior to the announcement of winners.

Even Kevin Hart nearly left early. Julia Roberts called him out on stage, humorously insisting he stay until the ceremony concluded.

Mixed Reactions Online

Social media erupted with divided opinions. Some viewers defended the stars, calling the outrage “hysteria over something banal.” Others criticized the behavior as disrespectful and emblematic of Hollywood entitlement.

Host Nikki Glaser Faces Criticism

Host Nikki Glaser delivered jokes throughout the night, including a quip comparing Sean Penn to a “leather handbag.” While some laughed, other moments drew criticism.

Glaser’s tribute to late filmmaker Rob Reiner, stabbed at his home last month, was considered shallow by many. She wore a Spinal Tap baseball cap during the homage, prompting backlash from viewers who felt the tribute lacked sincerity.

Disappointed Stars

Amanda Seyfried also drew attention for her visible disappointment after losing Best Actress in a Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy to Rose Byrne. Though her reaction was subtle, fans debated whether her moment reflected grace or dismay.

A Night of Glamour and Discord

While awards recognized excellence in film and television, the 2026 Golden Globes were equally remembered for controversy. Arrogant behavior, early exits, and rule-breaking overshadowed many achievements.

Observers questioned whether the glitz of Hollywood is now inseparable from the chaos created by its biggest names.